Tieghemella spp.

Specifications

Family

Sapotaceae

Species

Tieghemella spp.

Common name

Tieghemella spp.
Commonly known as

Description

The sapwood is pinkish-gray, differentiated from the reddish-brown or purple heartwood. The texture is fine, the grain wavy, and the density ranges from 0.60 to 0.75. It contains silica. Slow drying helps prevent breakage. Mechanical strength and durability are good, but the sapwood is susceptible to fungi and insect attack.

Plant morphology

They are large trees that can reach 55 m in height, with a columnar trunk, with a maximum diameter of 2.5 m, often supported by powerful buttresses at the base. The reddish-brown bark is deeply furrowed, with a sticky latex. The crown is dense and rounded, with spiraling leaves at the tips of the branches; they are simple, rounded, and leathery. The flowers are in inflorescences and have pubescent petals. The fruit is a large, ovoid, yellow-brown berry containing 1-3 smooth, woody seeds.

Natural occurrence

Countries of origin and distribution

Central-Western Africa: Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Habitat and ecology

Species widespread in primary forests, particularly in coastal plains, have shade-loving tendencies even if young specimens show good tolerance to the sun.

Uses

Use class

CU1

CU2

CU3

CU4

CU5

Application areas

It is used for furniture, fine carpentry, floorboards, windows and doors, turning, sculpture and artistic crafts.

Threats and Conservation

Threats

Timber harvesting does not currently appear to be affecting the size of the populations, but the integrity of the habitat is in serious danger.

Conservation measures

Not reported.

IUCN Red List IUCN

Tieghemella Africana EN - Endangered - Arisk (1998); T. heckelii EN - Endangered - At risk (1998).

CITES. Year of assessment CITES

CITES Italia • Ultimo aggiornamento

Not present.

Technical data

Aesthetic characteristics

Grain

Slightly obvious

Texture

Fine

Physical and mechanical properties

Density
ρ

670 kg/m³

Radial shrinkage
Rad. sh.

MPa

Tangential shrinkage
Tang. sh.

MPa

Bending strength
M.O.R.

92 MPa

Modulus of Elasticity
M.O.E.

13450 MPa

Durability characteristics

Fungal resistance

Very durable

Insect resistance

Resistant

Miscellaneous

From a commercial standpoint, the species of interest are Tieghemella africana and T. heckelii. Given the state of the populations, it is advisable to avoid using this wood. Both species produce edible fruit, which in Gabon is used to treat rheumatism.